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Papi increases intensity in spring drills

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FORT MYERS, Fla. -- David Ortiz has ramped up the intensity of his running drills, and he participated in a lengthy agility drill on Friday.

"It's going good," Ortiz said. "I'm increasing things every day. I feel fine. I feel fine doing that. Sometimes I get a little sore after a couple of rough days, but the doctor says it's normal. I'm just doing things that I wasn't able to so your body -- your foot -- has to get used to it. Once you get used to it, it will be fine."

There's no timetable just yet for the star slugger to get in a Grapefruit League game, but Ortiz should be cleared to run the bases fairly soon.

The designated hitter, coming off a serious right Achilles injury last year, is enthused by the improvement of the injury and remains confident he will play on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on April 1.

"I'd like to be in a game tomorrow," said Ortiz. "But we're just being smart, not trying to rush. I've got another six weeks still [until Opening Day]. They want to make sure that when I'm in, there's no setback."

First baseman Mike Napoli -- who has avascular necrosis in his hips -- also continues to make solid progress.

"We're likely to see Mike Napoli start to get on the bases on Sunday, to advance that program," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "That's right in line with the calendar that we've set out. He's responded very well. He feels very well physically."